Improvement in game-tables



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT R. CRAWFORD, OF \VYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA.

IMPROVEMENT-IN GAME-TABLES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 144.659, dated November 18,1873; application filed September 6, 1873.

To all whom "it may concern:

Be it known that I, ROBERT E. CRAWFORD, of Wytheville, in the county of.Wythe and State of Virginia, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Game-Table, of which the following is a specification:

Figure 1 is a top view of my improved game-table. Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of the same, taken through the line as as, Fig. 1.

- Similarletters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

My invention has for its object to furnish an improved game-table, called by me the Dexter Table, and which shall be so constructed as to be somewhere between a bagatelle-table and a tenpin alley, having some of the characteristics of each, and upon which various games may be played. The invention consists in an improved game-table, formed of the table, the platforms, one or more, provided with numbered spots at their forward end, the alleys, the receiver, the flanges, the conductorpassage, and the recess, constructed and arranged to operate, in connection with the pins and balls, as hereinafter fully described.

A is the frame of the table, which is made strong and firm, and which is provided with legs 13, sufficient in number to securely support the table and prevent its springing, giving, or sagging in any part, and of such a length as to raise the table to a convenient height. Upon the table A B are formed one or more platforms, 0, preferably two, extending from the rear end, where the players stand,

nearly to the forward end, and rising four inches, more or less, above the top of said table, thus forming alleys or channels D at the sides of and between said platforms 0, to receive the balls and guide them into the trough or receiver E at the forward end of the table. The receiver E extends across the forward end of the table, and is sunk a little below the level of the table or the alleys D, to receive the pins and balls from the platforms 0. The

table, upon its sides and. forward end, is pro vided with a flange, F, which forms the outer sides of the side alleys D, and the forward side of the receiver E. The inner side of the end flange F inclines downward, or has a downwardly-inclined piece attached to it, tocause the balls and pins to glance downward when they strike against said flange. The parts of the table with which the balls and pins come in contact should be covered or padded to prevent noise. Upon the forward ends of the platform or platforms 0 are formed ten spots, upon which the pins G are set, and which are numbered, as shown in Fig. 1. H is an inclined passage or spout leading from the receiver E, beneath the central alley D, to a recess, I, formed in the rear part of the table, to

conduct the balls back to the players.

In playing, the pins G are placed upon the numbered spots upon the forward end of the platforms 0, and a ball, J, is placed upon the rear part of said platforms and struck with a cue, as indicated in Fig. 2, the object being to knock the pins G from their places, and the numbers placed at the sides of the spots from which the pins are knocked are added, and their sum is considered the number of points made. The first player takes three shots, and the second player three shots, and so on alternately, the game consisting of six, nine, or any other number of shots, as may be agreed upon.

Various other games may be played upon the table, if desired.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- An improved game-table formed of the table A B, platforms O, provided with numbered spots at their forward end, the alleys D, re

ceiver E, flanges F, conductor-passage H, and recess I, constructed as described, and arranged to operate, in connection with the pins G and balls J, substantially as herein set forth. w t

- ROBERT R. CRAWFORD. Witnesses:

H. O. SEXT N, G. H. PATTIsoN. 

